The Labour Department (LD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) indicated today that they have taken actions following the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s recent arrests for suspected corruption cases in relation to training courses and working experience proof.

The LD emphasised in a press release that it is highly concerned about suspected illegal acts involving the offer and acceptance of benefits to assist unqualified people in enrolling in training courses for Experienced Operators of Excavator.

It pointed out that it has initiated an investigation to examine whether the training course providers and their staff have strictly complied with the approval conditions for operating Mandatory Safety Training courses.

It will follow up seriously if violations are found, the LD stressed.

In response to the ICAC’s actions, the LD announced the revocation of 100 certificates for excavator operators involved in the case.

According to the Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Loadshifting Machinery) Regulation, people operating an excavator must have successfully completed the relevant safety training courses and obtained the corresponding certificates.

The LD added that it is reviewing the admission mechanism for training course providers. With reference from the ICAC’s advice, it will also further enhance the mechanism, including improving current admission procedures and ensuring that training course providers strictly adhere to the approval conditions for operating the courses.

Separately, regarding the ICAC’s arrest operation concerning the suspected forgery of working experience proof to apply for registration as Grade A electrical workers, the EMSD said that it launched an investigation in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance.

After it was found that some registrants obtained their registration through improper means, the EMSD cancelled the registration of the Grade A electrical workers concerned.

Furthermore, it made it clear that to register as a Grade A electrical worker, an applicant must possess relevant qualifications and working experience.

Upon learning of this case, the EMSD specified that it has strengthened the vetting and approval procedures, including deploying officers to the issuing organisation’s office to carry out a check on each applicant’s working experience.